Continued alcohol abuse in many patients will result in the development of alcoholic cirrhosis. These patients have permanent scarring of the liver. Their outcome is variable. However, even those who have severe illness, who abstain from alcohol, may have a significant improvement in their clinical state. Eventually, these patients may even return to society on a long-term basis.
Differential Diagnosis
Other diseases that are associated with alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis include biliary tract disease, idiopathic hemochromatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and drug hepatitis should be included.
Therapy
Treatment of alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis is best characterized by abstinence. Many studies are now under way which are assessing the utility of medications such as colchicine and other antifibrotic agents. This data is forthcoming but is not yet available.
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